Route 61: Memphis

From Clarksdale we went to Memphis. It was the city I was less excited to visit. Well, it was rather the destinations of whome I had lower expectations, and yet, it was the city that struck me the most. Not so much for its tourist attractions, but by its history and by the omnipresence of Elvis throughout. I've never been a fan of Elvis, and I didn't came here because it was his city, but his presence transformed Memphis into my favorite city.De Clarksdale fuimos a Memphis. Creo que era una de las ciudades que menos ilusión me hacía visitar. Bueno, más bien era uno de los destinos de los que menos expectativas tenía y, sin embargo, fue la ciudad que más me impactó. No tanto por sus atracciones turísticas, sino por su historia y por la omnipresencia de Elvis en toda ella. Nunca he sido fan de Elvis, ni viajé hasta aquí porque fuera su ciudad, pero su presencia convirtió Memphis en mi ciudad favorita del recorrido.

Sun Studio, one of the most magical places of the trip. This is where American music was born and where Elvis, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison, among other great artists, started. The Studio, founded by the genius Sam Phillips, remains largely intact and you can even play instruments used by all these great artists. Undoubtedly essential.Graceland, home of Elvis. We didn't enter the house. We are not big fans and the cheapest ticket cost $ 40. However, after spending two days in Memphis, I regretted it. I have already said, that the spirit of Elvis came over me and after knowing more about the city, I think it would have been the perfect end.Sun Studio, uno de los sitios más mágicos de todo el viaje. Aquí es donde nació la música americana y donde comenzaron grandes como Elvis, Johnny Cash o Roy Orbison. El estudio fundado por el genio Sam Phillips sigue prácticamente intacto y aun puedes tocar instrumentos que usaron estos genios. Sin duda, imprescindible.

The National Civil Rights Museum, is a complex of museums built around the former Lorraine Motel, where Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Its exhibits trace the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the 17th century to the present. Certainly a must visit place to understand these southern states and all that still remains to be done referring to human rights. Two other buildings and their adjacent property, also connected with the King assassination, have been acquired as part of the museum complex.El Museo Nacional de los Derechos Civiles, es un museo construido en torno al antiguo Motel Lorraine, donde el Rev. Martin Luther King fue asesinado el 4 de abril de 1968. Sus exposiciones trazan la historia del movimiento de derechos civiles en los Estados Unidos desde el siglo 17 hasta la actualidad. Sin duda, una visita indispensable para entender estos estados del sur y todo lo que aún queda por hacer en relación a los derechos humanos. La casa desde la que fue disparado, forma también parte de las instalaciones del museo. Muy interesante.

Cooper-Young district, Overton Square and Water Tower Pavilion, 3 areas far from the tourist spots, where you can meet the real Memphis. The intersection of Cooper and Young is a great spot for fine dining and having a nice walk through beautiful residential area. Check Burke’s Book Store on Cooper Street dating back to 1875. Then yo can go to Overton Square, a really vibrant area full or nice cafes and restaurants. Is very close to Overton Park, a perfect example of a public park that breaks up the urbanization throughout Memphis and offers a relaxing spot for people to get away from the hectic city lifestyle. Also very close is The Water Tower Pavilion, now used as a space for the community to showcase their talents and events, though this was originally a warehouse loading dock dating back to 1945. Distrito de Cooper-Young, Plaza Overton y Water Tower Pavilion, 3 zonas alejadas de los puntos turísticos de la ciudad donde se puede conocer el verdadero Memphis. La intersección de Cooper y Young es un gran lugar para comer y tener un agradable paseo por su preciosa zona residencial. Entra en la librería Burkeen de la calle Cooper que data de 1875. De aquí puedes ir a Overton Square, una zona muy animada llena de cafés y restaurantes. Está muy cerca de Overton Park, un precioso parque público, y de Water Tower Pavilion. Un almacén de 1945 reconvertido en un espacio para eventos y para la comunidad.

We stayed at the Red Roof Inn motel. $119 for 2 nights without breakfast. The motel is quite far from Memphis (about 20/25 min. drive from the center) but is fine to leave for Nashville. It is next to Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, a nice restaurante with southern food at a good price.